Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1887-12-22

On one hard and wrinkled finger he
wore a ring that was now but a slender
hoop of gold. Once--years and years
ago, when his wife placed it there-it
was broad. heavy band Of yellow gold
As he held his poor old hands against
his face it cut into his cheek, the edge
of it had grown so sharp, lie started up
with n sudden thought. Why hadn't he
thought of the ring before: 1t would
surely buy a loaf of bread. He would
go out and sell it as soon rs morning
came But the resolution gave his heart
a wrench, for it was the last thing left
of Mary's-the Mary who had been dead
so many years. 1t seemed the link that
bound them together. But she'll know;
she won't blame me" he said and
waited for the dawn.
1t came at last. He got up and went
to the window, and saw new white
world. The snow had fallen in the
night and hidden away all unsightliness
As he stood there the bells began 10 ring,
reminding him that this was Christmas
morning,
The voices of the bells stole in upon
Joe's slumber and awoke him. He rose
up in bed and looked at his grandfather
wonderfully, as if to ask what the bells
rang so early for.
because it's Christmas" the old man
answered in reply to the unspoken ques-
ton of the boy you don't know what
Christmas means do you? Well, years
ago Christ was born, and this is his
birthday. They ring the bells because
the worlds glad"
Christ" Joe said, wonderingly, ques-
tioningly.
Gods son" the old man explained.
"Where is he?" asked Joe.
"Dead-and gone to Heaven, = was the
reply
20, to the green felds!" said Joe. Il
wish / could | dreamed Of them last
night, and ! heard the angels. | heard
them yesterday. too. They We're close
by. Do you spose they We're in the
green fields when | heard them sing
grandfather
II don't know, the old man answered,
not at all surprised at Joe5 question.
He was used to such talk from him.
Because Il they were it can't bee very
far to the green fields, said Joe, for |
could hear them sing just as plain. o
dear" suddenly, TIN 50 hungry
You shall have something TO eat. >"
the old man said. "Ilgo after it now.
l won't be gone long. And then he
went out.
Joe laid his head back on the poor pill
low and thought while he waited. This
was Christmas. then; the new day; the
dav when the world was glad. Then
the world must have enough to eat, Tor
how could it be glad when it was hum
cry:
Suddenly he heard a voice, strong,
sweet voice that seemed just outside the
window, and it was singing something
about Christmas. 1t was the sweetest
sound Joe had ever heard. 1t seemed to
be calling him.
"Its one of the angels, he cried in de-
light. 20. amt it beautiful. ! don t
feel hungry now. | don't believe l ever
would if could hear the angels"
Joe could not know that it was a wo-
man singing in the church near by, re
hearsing her song for the morning SER
| vice, held in honor Of the King. born in
| a Manager. She could not know that
| away up in the attic Of that old tene-
PENTHOUSE a boy lay listening and
4 thinking he heard an angel If she had
known this ] wonder if her song would
I have been sweeter.
The angels glad, said Joe Il know
it by the way it sings. Its because ot
/ the green fields. | wonder If | could
lind emf They must be close by. Ii
| could get there III never be hungry any
more. | wonder II | couiu!a